Gdansk is a city very diverse in terms of landscape. The northern parts of the city are the coastal strip and part of the so-called Gdansk Low Lands – quite flat surroundings rising slightly above sea level. The further we go from the coastline, the more the area begins to rise, and in several places even natural viewing platforms have been created. That's where we're going on our trip.
A bike tour through the viewpoints of the southern districts of Gdansk is an excellent idea for an active afternoon. . .
Bicycle trip - viewpoints in the south of Gdańsk
Our proposal for a city bike tour combines several of the highest vantage points in the southern districts of the city. To a large extent, we move along paved bicycle roads and pedestrian – bicycle routes. On short stretches we use residential city roads with a negligible amount of car traffic.
The southern districts of Gdansk are quite diverse in terms of elevations. Choosing this tour proposal you have to reckon with several ascents requiring a little more effort. Driving according to the description of the route allows you to overcome most ascents from the milder side.
Any type of tourist or city bike can be used successfully for the tour.
Gdańsk, the wheel is turning
We suggest starting in the center of Gdansk, where you can reach by public transport, train or your own car. As a starting point, we choose a square in the vicinity of one of the most characteristic buildings in Gdansk – the High Gate. This historic building houses the Pomorskie Tourist Information Centre, where you can buy information materials, handicrafts from local manufacturers and souvenirs from the region.
From the Gate we head towards Hucisko and Kartuska Street, which after about two kilometers of the route begins to rise slightly. The hills visible just behind the building of the District Court is Gradowa Hill, from which there is a magnificent panorama of Gdansk’s Main Town and the post shipyard areas.
Visit the amazing Hevelianum Centre
Just behind the magnificent red brick building, where the Secondary School is located, we get off the smooth road, cross the tram tracks and climb up the street with the graceful name “Klopot”. The driveway here will be a bit of a hassle. . . mainly due to the significant difference in terrain. As a reward at the top of the hill, you will be able to breathe on the picturesque square and admire the panorama of Nowolipie, Emmaus and the settlement of Kolonia Zreba. It’s a typical city panorama, and we’re on a city tour.
Góra Gradowa in Gdańsk, panorama of the city, photo: Rafał Baranowski/Pomorskie.Travel
The next section is a descent along a winding and narrow serpentine in the direction of the rising Lostowicka Street. The next kilometre is another climb on the city bike path. At the top of the driveway we cross the road junction with Armii Krajowej Avenue and move along the Vaclav Havel Avenue. The sixth kilometre of the route will bring us another change in the type of road. The urban housing estate leads to a small wooded area that surrounds Kozacza Hill. At the top there is a tower located, over the treetops, from which you can see the surrounding districts: Ujescisko, Orunia Gorna and Chelm. At the foot of Kozacza Gora there is a recreational square with a playground for children.
We leave the green areas of Kozacza Góra and follow the descending road that will lead us to the Augustowska retention reservoir. Nearby there is another recreation area with a playground, and a place to rest. It is worth planning a longer rest here because just behind the reservoir begins another asphalt serpentine cycling.
Kozacza Góra in Gdańsk - viewing platform, photo: pomorskie.travel
The next section is a drive along the residential road towards the pressure station and the historic Water Reservoir “Stara Orunia”. During the summer it is possible to visit this very attractive object, however, it is necessary to arrange a visit in advance. In the immediate vicinity of the reservoir has been prepared a recreational square and a viewing platform. It offers a view of Orunia Dolna and Gdansk Lowlands, and with good weather and great air transparency you can see the buildings and structures of the Gdansk Refinery.
Discover the Gdansk Water Supply Route
Then we follow a narrow gravel alley towards Nowiny Street, which will lead us to the Orunski Park – one of the most beautiful parks in Gdansk. It is located in a valley between quite high hills and is part of the Nature and Landscape Complex “Valley of the Orunia Creek”. One of the hills is the “Mountain of Five Brothers”, which is worth climbing. Unfortunately, the bike ride will be very difficult and for most people impossible. Orunski Park is the perfect place for a long stopover and picnic in the shade of old weeping willows or in the clearing on the banks of one of the ponds. On the edge of the park there is also an attractive playground for children.
Oruński Park, pomorskie.travel, M.Bieliński
The further route of the tour is already the road leading along the Radunia Canal. Its flat, but quite attractively prepared section will lead us to the Centre of Gdansk and the Upland Gate, where we finish our city tour.
